Times are tough. Out of work? Newly out of work? Trying to make ends meet?

“Times are tough now” I heard someone say. I thought that to my knowledge, human times have always been tough. My husband came home from work last night exhausted. He has a dynamite work ethic, loyalty to his company – and he always goes the extra mile. It’s so unfair to him that I am no longer able to do what I used to do before becoming disabled.

What about you? Is your husband, or mate, or partner or whatever name you use for the person you share your life with, able to find work? Newly out of work?

If you have children, are a single parent, or have the similar good traits my husband has, it has to be one of the most difficult times in your lives. But no worries, just when things quiet down and are in hand, another challenge will arise for you to meet! I’m not kidding and I’m not being sarcastic. It is the truth.

Just keep in mind, if you love someone, you really have no choice but to continue endeavoring to make ends meet. Nothing was ever handed to us, and my husband looks at me when I commend him for all his work and he simply says, “I don’t have a choice.”

You don’t if you don’t want to be a dependent product of this society. You can scheme and cheat, but you will never be at peace within – unless of course you are a politician! That’s a whole different story. At least a billion dollars spent on attaining the office of president all added up. It is ridiculous. It is also ridiculous that as soon as the politicians start “smoozing” the public, suddenly there are no wars, no starvation, no illegal immigrant problem. The only thing happening is a bunch of people (maybe one or two still with morals and values) – fighting to be president. I digress……

Be careful when there is no work. The tendency for humans is to seek relief. “Take the edge” off of the stress. “Relax for a while.”

This gives birth to a whole new problem. Relief with alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, an affair (sadly this can happen) – an entire spin-off of new problems that can be worse than pinching pennies. A newly inadequate way to handle the problems is to turn to technology. Technology, for all its wonder, is TEARING THE STRENGTH OF AMERICA into shreds. Disassembling the family. Any poor way to handle problems can be found on the Internet.

It fills the heads of children and adults with UNrealistic persons who seem to care. Adventures that take a person away from REALity. It is one of the most dangerous weapons that was ever created. There is a prophecy in Native American culture that says when there is a web around the world,it is the beginning of the end.

MONITOR yourselves. Be aware of signs and signals that may suggest that something else besides exhaustion is going on. I have NO concrete answer for handling all that can happen. I only have suggestions. Some suggestions that, I have seen over the years, really help to mend the tear in the foundation of your family or the persons in your life that matter.

My best selection of ways to get through this is from people I have known and counseled over the years – 40 years. (That’s scary and another adventure to face: aging). Back to current times.

Pray, trust God and seek fellow human beings that believe in similar things. Where there are two or three gathered together, there is power untold provided to us. But this resolve calls for FAITH. It calls for believing in power that cannot be seen; in trusting in more than you. My faith has increased substantially since my accident. I was called upon to use what I’ve always said I have, and that was my faith and belief of the power of prayer. I’ve seen others heal through “using” what they verbally say they believe.

Keep looking. Think about “realistically” seeking a modified position of your old career – or a new career entirely. Keep looking.

Sit down with your VIP and discuss ways to cut expenses. Plan meals – it is cheaper than fast food and better for you. If you PLAN, you can cut costs.

Say NO to frivolous purchases. Don’t just snap, but give others the benefit of being a human (often a child WILL understand as appreciate being included) We all “want things”. LIMIT TV and COMPUTER time. That limits commercials.

Keep a positive attitude. Don’t fight about petty things. It takes two to make a war. Use your intellect. Use love. Stay hopeful! PRAY.